DURHAM, N.C. – Former Duke wide receiver Conner Vernon has signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.

“Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege to watch Conner grow as both a young man and football player,” said Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. “The numbers Conner produced here at Duke, as good as they were with 283 career catches for nearly 3,800 yards, only tell part of the story – his work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to excellence will pave his way for success. Conner has an opportunity to be an asset to the Oakland Raiders because of his desire to compete and be the best football player he can possibly be.”

In 48 career games at Duke, Vernon caught 283 passes for 3,749 yards and 21 touchdowns while compiling 4,357 career all-purpose yards. A three-time all-conference selection, the Miami, Fla., native set ACC records for career pass receptions, career pass receiving yardage, most consecutive games with one or more pass reception (48), most seasons with 50-plus pass receptions (4), most seasons with 60-plus pass receptions (3) and most seasons with 70-plus pass receptions (3).

In addition, Vernon finished career ranking among the NCAA’s all-time leaders in both receptions (23rd) and receiving yardage (24th).

In 2012, Vernon earned first team All-ACC accolades after catching a school single-season record 85 passes for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns while leading Duke to its first bowl game appearance since 1994. In the ACC, he ranked second in receptions per game (6.54), tied for third in touchdown receptions and tied for third in receiving yards per game. Additionally, on Duke’s single-season charts, Vernon’s totals rank first in receptions, first in most games with five-plus receptions (11), tied for first in most games with 10-plus receptions (3), tied for first in most games with one-plus reception, tied for first in games with two-plus receptions, third in receptions per game, tied for third in most 100-yard receiving games (5), tied for fourth in receiving yardage and tied for seventh in touchdown receptions.